As twilight fell over the southern North Sea, Felixstowe Dock reverberated to the roar of engines. The fast boats of Coastal Forces were preparing for their night-time missions. Would they tackle a trawler patrol, an enemy convoy or their particular foes, the E-boats? Would they rescue a downed airman or deliver a Dutch resistance agent?

Initially these small, wooden boats were ill-equipped for success. Peacetime solicitor and inspirational leader, Robert Hichens, fought fierce bureaucratic battles ashore while he and his young crew risked their lives at sea. This is the completely de-censored version of the book he was writing when he died.

‘Hitch’ was killed in action in April 1943. His HMS Beehive companions fought on until the E-boat surrender in May 1945. This is also their story.